Sometimes you almost gotta laugh at potential clients...

StarsandStripes · BBQ Fan Joined: 06 Mar 2007 Posts: 385

Yes! I make a MEAN bologna sandwich!!!!!!!!!!!!

BBQMAN · Posted: Apr 11 2007 Post subject:

Sure thing Marv- I get $1.50 for a hotdog, and $1.00 for a soda at the market, so why not! Laughing

I had a gal that works as the food director at a large (2000 member) church ask what we could provide for $2.00. I asked her what she was providing at the church for $2.00? Guess what- no answer! Wink

Just say no Marv, just say no! Laughing

_________________
BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

OddThomas · Posted: Apr 11 2007 Post subject:

Howdy,

I'm new to the pricing game and to "catering" but just doing the mental math here; couldn't you have offered her a "cook and deliver" only option (or better yet a cook and pickup) of a mix of enough pulled pork and, say, leg quarters for $500 or even maybe just bump her to $600? I know you couldn't do ribs and brisket, but I think you could have come up with something that would work within her budget. Heck, you could have offered just chicken and surely made a decent profit for tending a fire for a few hours; especially if she has someone come get it.

I know you're in business to make money, but I'm always looking for a way to satisfy the customer's needs when everyone else turns them away.

Take me to school Marv. Cool

Best regards,
Mike W.

G's BBQ · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 13 Sep 2006 Posts: 1641 Location: NV

HA, I got one today that has her wedding in 2 weeks and hasnt booked a caterer or a reception room...but at least she is willing to pay the price...

BBQMAN · Posted: Apr 11 2007 Post subject:

OddThomas · Posted: Apr 11 2007 Post subject:

Hi,

Thanks BBQMAN. I knew that was the case, but playing Devil's advocate here, my thinking was more along the lines of a price per pound rather than a price per person.

I think I saw somewhere you (or someone else) quoted $10 per pound for meat only orders of pulled pork. At that rate, she was looking at about $730.00 (based on the 3 people per pound scenario) . I just figured there was a way to cut the cost per pound by "mixing in" a cheaper meat, such as leg quarters or whole chickens.

Best regards,
Mike W.

marvsbbq · BBQ All Star Joined: 15 May 2005 Posts: 6186

We don't stop eating great barbecue because we grow old......
We grow old beacause we stop eating great barbecue.....

Old proverb from MARV... Laughing

OddThomas · Posted: Apr 11 2007 Post subject:

Harry Nutczak · Posted: Apr 11 2007 Post subject:

$500 to $600 for a party with numbers from 175-200?
That would not even cover the full amount of expected people splitting some jiffy pop 2 ways!

I do not think that would even cover your costs if you were doing a freebie for a charitable org.

No labor income, no fuel income, travel cost's , Possibly missing a gig that pays. and serve them what>?
besides 8 to a pound low-end weiners, and mystery-meat frozen burger patties with no bakery or condiments. I don't think that amount would even cover your food cost's.
10 weeks out and looking for a caterer. I think they are going to end up with a parade of nesco carrying friends serving sloppy-joes on discount hamburger 8 to a pack commercial buns.

Marv, did you get a name? maybe we can start a pool to bet on how long this marriage will last. it might be one of those "what do you mean the condom broke" weddings. Or, "I thought you said you couldn't get pregnant" things

or maybe it was one of us just yanking your chain Marv? did you ever think of that?? I wouldn't put it past a couple people in this forum (especially me)

Maybe she mis-stated the amount due to nervousness and really meant $5-6K?? or was she very clear on this being a gig for less than $1K
_________________
Just remember that the toes you may step on during your climb to the top will also be attached to the a$$es you'll be forced to kiss on your way back down!

Slamdunkpro

OddThomas · Posted: Apr 11 2007 Post subject:

adolpho

BBQMAN · Posted: Apr 11 2007 Post subject:

Texman · Posted: Apr 11 2007 Post subject:

Interesting thread, which reflects thoughts and reasoning of seasoned caterers, such as BBQMan, Marvs and non-seasoned (in comparable years) caterers such as ourselves.

Over the past two years we have taken on three minor profit deals to lend a heartfelt economic hand to the customer. We hesitated doing same with the question �will this price range be the expected norm if we establish it in our area?� To cover this we did cost versus financial reward customer educating, plus we sought and received added word of mouth about the product and service, not the cheap costs. Related to these three almost freebies the continued results have generated �profitable� bookings that way than more offset our lack of desired profit. Everyone ended up happy.

marvsbbq · BBQ All Star Joined: 15 May 2005 Posts: 6186

DawgPhan · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 12 May 2005 Posts: 3444

yeah when you start out you arent really in a position to turn down anything...

marvsbbq · BBQ All Star Joined: 15 May 2005 Posts: 6186

You and your guests will enjoy "Barbecue better than the best you've ever had" provided by the ever sought after..Marv's Marvlus Pit Bar-B-Q. Our reputation preceeds us as the area's #1 BBQ caterer.

I do my name in red because that is my color on my website AND red is kind of my color on trucks and all my trailers are red (bbq's are black)
kind of trying to tie it all together.

I hope all of this helps someone out there in BBQ land... Wink

Alien BBQ

G's BBQ · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 13 Sep 2006 Posts: 1641 Location: NV